Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

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Q: Should subfloor be screwed or nailed?

• <div><p>Most of the time, you&rsquo;ll want to use screws on your subfloor rather than nails. Nails can actually weaken plywood, whereas screws can easily penetrate without damage. They also form a more secure connection because of their shape, preventing squeaky floors and tightly holding the subfloor in place. That said, some contractors do prefer nails depending on the type of floor covering because they allow for more flexibility. </p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You&rsquo;ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that&rsquo;s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

Q: What is the average cost of framing a window opening?

• <div><p>The average cost of DIY window framing is about $40 to $60 in materials. If you hire a window treatment professional, you&rsquo;ll pay for materials plus labor costs&mdash;anywhere from $250 to $800 per window. The final cost is highly dependent on the window size, as larger windows are heavier and more difficult to install, as well as the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/window-material-types.htm">type of window framing material</a>.</p></div>

Q: What does metal stud framing include?

• <div><p>Metal stud framing parts include the studs themselves, upper and lower tracks that act as top and bottom wall plates, various angle fasteners and clips, screws for fastening pieces togeher, metal straps, c-channel supports, and thicker steel supporting structures. Roof framing metal components include pre-fabricated trusses, heavy-gauge stud pieces, and various plates and fasteners. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Gettysburg, SD

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Gettysburg, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Contractor Service companies in Gettysburg, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

Last update on May 27, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Always a reliable handyman when I have projects that require a bit more expertise, or just don't have time. Friendly, efficient, and not too hard on the pocket book.
Gerbers Home Handyman Services
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Reviewed in June 2021
She's very thorough, attention to detail and amazing.
Mommy Maids, LLC - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in February 2020
Cody helped with insurance claim and put new shingles on, and did a great job. Vary professional job.
Romco Roofing
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Reviewed in October 2019
His service is on time and very high quality.
Calen's Lawn Care
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Reviewed in April 2015
He was great friendly did a great job and yes I will recommend him
Live Wire Electrical Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2015
We hired Sarah Larson to resole an issue with Jimsco Mobil Home. She agreed to write a letter which she did and she said the letter would cost about $100 to have her complete we agreed to that. Over about 8 months she wrote four letters that I am aware of too no resolve. So as we were about...
Attorney
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Reviewed in February 2015
We contacted our vet by email at this clinic with a medical question, because we were not there she quickly answered our question. Making us feel assured we were doing the right thing and then helped us locate a Rx food supplier in the area where we were. <br />
ANIMAL CLINIC OF PIERRE
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Reviewed in September 2013
The transition was great the walk thru was nice for us to learn the technical parts of this new coach, we appreciated them taking this 2 hour time to answer and show us everything we needed to know. We have called them since this date and they have helped us with other questions we have had. ...
Great Plains RV's
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Reviewed in September 2013
This gentleman is so nice, he bends over backwards to do everything he is ask to do. He does it in a very timely manner without any excuses or inconveniences. He cleans up after his installs and leaves all the area in better shape than when he arrived. I can't begin to express how nice it is...
Northern Plains Coop
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Reviewed in September 2013
He submitted his bill to me for all four and when I reused to pay the bill in full he said "oh your right the fourth blind will be considerably less." I in turn agreed to pay the bill less $100 and would pay any remaining when the fourth blind was installed. Now it is July 2013 and I am still...
Budget Blinds
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Find Contractors in Gettysburg

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"I never contacted the provider or used this service in anyway. I have to
write this review so that the request to write this review stops
popping up.
The rating is bogus as it is required to be able to submit.
"

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Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"They did a good job. She had to submit like a photo but my daughter had them work on the central are of the loft. The deal was for one room. She got a lot of good ideal from her and it was worth it for her. They were professional and I did not hear anything negative."

Recommended by55%of homeowners

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Johnny Boteler Construction

4.3(

)

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1974

Free estimates

"He did very good work and trustworthy"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Benallys Contracting

New to Angi

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Benally's Contracting has been taking care of Pierre and surrounding areas up in South Dakota for 3 years now. Providing excellent addition and remodeling services for residents and commercial business who are looking for their home improvement or plans of expanding. We take care of you from the moment we arrive to delivering a finished project that you will be proud of. Taking pride in our work is what we are known for. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your addition or remodel ideas!

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Unleashed contracting

5.0(

)

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Perfect and quick he was very respectful and on time finished early job well done thank you Robert"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Ahoe Construction

New to Angi

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Ahoe Construction is a client focused company serving the greater Aberdeen community. We're dedicated to providing top quality craftsmanship, customer service and professionalism on every project. Call today to see what our expertise can do for the overall value of your home and comfort of living in it.

Serving Gettysburg, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

David Ferguson's construction business is dedicated to quality and outstanding customer service. Our job is to provide you with quality service at a great price. Please don't wait call us today.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

Most of the time, you’ll want to use screws on your subfloor rather than nails. Nails can actually weaken plywood, whereas screws can easily penetrate without damage. They also form a more secure connection because of their shape, preventing squeaky floors and tightly holding the subfloor in place. That said, some contractors do prefer nails depending on the type of floor covering because they allow for more flexibility.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.

The average cost of DIY window framing is about $40 to $60 in materials. If you hire a window treatment professional, you’ll pay for materials plus labor costs—anywhere from $250 to $800 per window. The final cost is highly dependent on the window size, as larger windows are heavier and more difficult to install, as well as the type of window framing material.

Metal stud framing parts include the studs themselves, upper and lower tracks that act as top and bottom wall plates, various angle fasteners and clips, screws for fastening pieces togeher, metal straps, c-channel supports, and thicker steel supporting structures. Roof framing metal components include pre-fabricated trusses, heavy-gauge stud pieces, and various plates and fasteners.

The Gettysburg, SD homeowners’ guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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